Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 118; The Wolfson Gallery

Pair of Shoe Buckles

1777-1780 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Shoe buckles first appeared in the 1660s, replacing elaborate shoe ribbons (known as 'roses') to fasten men's shoes. At first plain and utilitarian, shoe buckles became more elaborate as the 18th century progressed.

Materials & Making
These buckles are made of silver-plated steel, a less expensive version of silver. Over time and with zealous cleaning, however, the plate will wear away, as in this case.

Design & Designing
The rectangular frame was a popular shape in the late 1770s and the 1780s, a reflection of the influence of Neo-classical design. Beaded decoration replaced the florid curves of buckles of the Rococo period.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoe Buckle
  • Shoe Buckle
Materials and techniques
Steel, decorated with silver foil applied to a tin base
Brief description
Pair of steel shoe buckles with silvered tin, 1777-80, English
Physical description
Shoe buckles
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.62cm
  • Width: 7.3cm
Dimensions checked: Registered Description; 07/11/1999 by JD
Gallery label
British Galleries: The late 18th century fashion for showy silver shoe buckles inspired ingenious imitations in a wide range of cheaper materials. This pair is made of steel, but the ornament is formed of tin, onto which a thin sheet of silver has been applied.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by A. M. Talbot
Object history
Made in England
Summary
Object Type
Shoe buckles first appeared in the 1660s, replacing elaborate shoe ribbons (known as 'roses') to fasten men's shoes. At first plain and utilitarian, shoe buckles became more elaborate as the 18th century progressed.

Materials & Making
These buckles are made of silver-plated steel, a less expensive version of silver. Over time and with zealous cleaning, however, the plate will wear away, as in this case.

Design & Designing
The rectangular frame was a popular shape in the late 1770s and the 1780s, a reflection of the influence of Neo-classical design. Beaded decoration replaced the florid curves of buckles of the Rococo period.
Collection
Accession number
T.91&A-1924

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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